Re: Chemoemoblization cocktail

I had chemoembolization with just doxorubicin. No nausea, but I did have intense pain for about 12 hours following the procedure. Make sure they have plenty of morphine standing by for the first hours following the procedure. I did not have any nausea, but did have a low-grade fever for a day or two. Also, I lost quite a bit of weight the first week afterward, and found it difficult to put that weight back on; it took me several months to get back to my normal weight.

Re: Chemoemoblization cocktail

Thanks John and Rob! My dad is likely going to refuse that treatment. His is 86 years old and he feels that spending 6 months sick off and on isn't worth gaining the possibility of another six. As difficult as this is, I have to respect his decision.

Re: Chemoemoblization cocktail

Dear "Walk": Is he eligible for another procedure which might make him feel better but is not as invasive as chemoembolization? I am thinking of radiofrequency ablation. If done percutaneously (through the skin, rather than as open surgery) You are in and out of the hospital the same day, and it can do quite a bit of good.

As you have read in all our messages, every treatment has a wide range of possible side-effects. Example: One person taking gemcitabine may have no side-effects at all, while the next person on the same dose may have fatigue and nausea. If your doctors are honest with you, he should be able to make rational decisions as to what kind of therapies or palliation he would like to employ.

Re: Chemoemoblization cocktail

Thanks, Rob. No one has mentioned RFA, I think due to tumor size (roughly 10x16). He has decided not to seek treatment. His view is that he probably has about 6 months left and he feels pretty good and doesn't want to spend that time in and out of doctors' offices and hospital--it's a decision I have to accept

Re: Chemoemoblization cocktail

Walk,

I haven't been able to bring myself to post much on the boards since Mom died April 3. Today is especially hard since it is my first Mother's day without her, but I just had to let you know you are doing the right thing.

I know how hard it is to watch a parent suffer and have to make hard decisions.

I think the hardest part of love is respecting the other person's wishes. It will be the hardest thing you do but it only makes it obvious to everyone reading your posts that you are doing it from the deepest love in your heart.

You are, have been, and will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love, Pam

My Mom lost her one year battle with CC on April 3, 2009.

"A prognosis is simply an audit of how truly precious each day is. Live each day to the maximum, celebrate what was, and what is - Don't spend your life looking forward to what will or might be." .... words of wisdom from my beloved son on hearing of his grandmother's CC prognosis.

Re: Chemoemoblization cocktail

Thanks, Pam. I guess the experience is universal, but I found your post about driving and crying in my head yesterday. It wasn't that specifically, but after the b-day and mother's day was over and I had taken my parents back home and finally hit the bed, I had time to let it overwhelm me again. and it always does.

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